FAA Study Guide 2026

FAA regulation 14 CFR Part 107.23(b) specifically addresses dropping objects from a small unmanned aircraft. It states that 'No person may... allow an object to be dropped from a small unmanned aircraft in a manner that creates an undue hazard to persons or property.' The primary concern is safety, ensuring that any dropped object does not pose a risk to people or property on the ground.

RAIM (Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring) is a crucial function of GPS receivers that verifies the integrity of the GPS signals. If RAIM capability is lost, the GPS receiver cannot detect potential errors in the satellite signals, meaning the pilot has no assurance that the displayed position is accurate. In such a scenario, the GPS system should not be relied upon for navigation, and pilots must revert to other approved navigation methods.

To determine true airspeed, consult the aircraft's performance chart (Figure 35) for the specified power setting and pressure altitude. First, locate the 65% maximum continuous power section and the 9,500-foot pressure altitude line. Then, apply the temperature correction for 36°F below standard, which typically involves moving along the chart's temperature correction lines or interpolating. Following these steps on the chart reveals an approximate true airspeed of 183 MPH.

'Short final' is a standard radio call indicating the aircraft is approximately one-half mile or less from the runway threshold on final approach.

Aircraft navigation lights follow a standard convention: a red light is located on the left (port) wing, and a green light is on the right (starboard) wing. If you observe a red flashing light on the left and a green flashing light on the right, it indicates that you are seeing the aircraft from its rear. Therefore, the airplane is heading away from your position.

To determine the effect on density altitude, one must refer to a density altitude chart (Figure 8). At a pressure altitude of 5,000 feet, locate the density altitude corresponding to 25°F and then to 50°F. By comparing these two values on the chart, the increase in density altitude is found to be 1,650 feet, indicating less dense air at the higher temperature.